macOS Monterey is scheduled for full release this fall, but you can already check out many of the new features in pre-release form by installing the public beta. However, universal controls are one of the most exciting parts of this software update, and have been missing from the macOS Monterey beta so far.

Thanks to developer Zhuowei Zhang (via MacRumors), we now know that a Universal Control version with limited functionality exists in macOS Monterey beta 5. However, turning it on requires fiddling with the Mac's system files.

However, while the final version of Universal Control should allow users to use the same keyboard and mouse to control multiple Apple devices and move work between devices, the current version only works on Macs running macOS Monterey beta The current version only works on Macs running the macOS Monterey beta version. And because Zhang had to manipulate some code to turn it on, it is not yet available to the public.

If Universal Control worked as intended, Apple claims that if you place an iPad near a macOS Monterey device (such as the new Apple iMac 2021) and move the mouse to the edge of the screen closest to the external device, a new cursor animation is claimed to appear. If the cursor is kept pressed against the edge of the screen, the cursor will move and appear on the iPad screen, allowing the mouse and keyboard to be used on the tablet. This should also allow the use of the mouse and keyboard between multiple Apple devices, as well as drag and drop files.

This is perhaps the most futuristic new feature of macOS Monterey, and Zhang has managed to get a limited version working that allows sharing the mouse and keyboard between Macs running macOS Monterey beta 5. He has published the files and instructions needed to do the same on his Github page, and posted a video of the feature in action on Twitter with the note, "Very unreliable, but it took a whole day before it suddenly started working."

First a note: this method appears to only work on 2016 and newer Macs with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on. Also, to enable this unofficial limited version of Universal Control on macOS Monterey beta 5, you need to change some settings and modify some files on your Mac. While you probably won't risk anything, it's always a good idea to back up your Mac before trying something like this, either using Apple's Time Machine service or a reputable third-party service like Backblaze. Our guide to the best cloud storage solutions offers more recommendations.

When you are ready to try Universal Control, download the Ensemble.plist file from Zhang's Github page, and place it in the /Library/Preferences/FeatureFlags/Domain/ folder on your Mac folder on your Mac. If the folder does not already exist, create it yourself.

You may also need to turn off System Integrity Protection in order to tweak these files. To do so, first restart your Mac in recovery mode, open the Utilities menu and run Terminal. From there, type csrutil disable and press Enter to restart your Mac. After testing this Universal Control hack, follow the same procedure to re-enable SIP, then type csrutil enable when launching Terminal in recovery mode.

Once you have successfully placed the Ensemble file in the Domain folder (i.e., /Library/Preferences/FeatureFlags/Domain/Ensemble.plist), restart the Mac and use a nearby Mac to start playing with Universal Control should be able to restart the Mac and start playing around with Universal Control on a nearby Mac.

This version of the Universal Control feature appears to be very limited. In addition to not being usable outside of a Mac, it is currently not possible to drag and drop files between devices. Still, if it does become available, we will get a glimpse of the glorious multi-Mac future that is in store for those who upgrade to macOS Monterey.